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Directory Operations in Windows


1. Creating a Directory

A directory is simply a folder.

  • GUI Method:
    • Open File Explorer → Right-click → New → Folder → Type name (e.g., Projects).
  • CMD Method: mkdir Projects md Projects ✅ Creates a folder named Projects inside the current directory.

2. Creating a Sub-Directory

A sub-directory is a folder created inside another folder.

  • GUI Method:
    • Open the parent folder (e.g., Projects) → Right-click → New → Folder → Name it (e.g., BBA_Notes).
  • CMD Method: mkdir Projects\BBA_Notes ✅ Creates a folder named BBA_Notes inside Projects.

3. Renaming a Directory

  • GUI Method:
    • Right-click on the folder → Rename → Type new name.
  • CMD Method: rename Projects Assignments ren Projects Assignments ✅ Renames folder Projects to Assignments.

4. Copying a Directory

  • GUI Method:
    • Right-click on folder → Copy → Paste at new location.
    • Or use Ctrl + C (copy) and Ctrl + V (paste).
  • CMD Method: xcopy Projects D:\Backup /s /e ✅ Copies Projects folder and its contents to drive D:\Backup.

5. Deleting a Directory

  • GUI Method:
    • Right-click folder → Delete → Confirm.
    • Or select folder and press Delete key.
  • CMD Method: rmdir Projects rmdir /s Projects (deletes folder with all contents) del Projects ✅ Deletes the Projects folder.
    ⚠️ Be careful – once deleted, files may be lost permanently.

Quick Reference Table (Windows CMD)

OperationCommand Example
Create Directorymkdir Projects
Create Sub-Directorymkdir Projects\BBA_Notes
Rename Directoryrename Projects Assignments
Copy Directoryxcopy Projects D:\Backup /s /e
Delete Directoryrmdir Projects / rmdir /s Projects

Summary (Exam Note)

  • Create: mkdir
  • Sub-directory: Folder inside another (e.g., Projects\BBA_Notes)
  • Rename: rename old new
  • Copy: xcopy source destination /s /e
  • Delete: rmdir folder